Jeff Hanson began to lose his eyesight at age 12 when doctors discovered an optic brain tumor. But that loss did not stop him from seeing opportunities for his creativity. Hanson is deemed legally blind but is an avid painter whose work has sold for thousands of dollars. He began paining vibrant illustrations, first on note cards before moving to canvas and later to designs for women's dresses. Jeff began to paint clothing, painting a matching bow tie and cummerbund to accompany his paintings at live charity auctions. Hanson family archive

During the summer of 2006, the Hanson family opened Jeff's Bistro, a driveway fundraiser that featured hand-painted note cards and his mother's (Julie Hanson's) baked goods. By the end of the summer, Jeff raised $15,000 for the Children's Tumor Foundation, and so his work in the world of philanthropy began. At this time, Jeff had already undergone treatment for his own tumor and was legally blind. Hanson family archive

'Siena Breeze,' Jeff's original acrylic work and one of the many paintings that helped him reach his goal of $1 million by 20, sold for $18,000 at the Make-A-Wish North Texas gala in May. Hanson family archive

After his art began to make waves, the Hanson family transformed their basement into a studio now full of canvases, paint and bright colors. Hanson family archive

After a long wait and a unique wish, Make-A-Wish Foundation provided the opportunity for the Hansons to meet Sir Elton John. Jeff had a set of unique criteria for his wish, wanting to meet someone who had famously made a big impression and was also a philanthropist. In October 2007 in Kansas City, Jeff presented the singer with a $1,000 check to the Elton John AIDS Foundation when they met for the first time. He earned the money selling hand-painted note cards. Hanson family archive

Jeff's painting 'Leaving Old Windsor' was inspired by a visit to John's Old Windsor estate, Woodside. Hanson family archive

Finally on the runway in August 2012, Jeff's hand-painted gowns also sold for thousands of dollars and brought the young entrepreneur's business to an entirely new level from canvas to fashion. Hanson family archive

Jeff and his father, Hal Hanson, embrace after the young philanthropist reached his $1 million by 20 milestone. On his 19th birthday in 2012, Jeff decided to challenge himself with a goal to reach $1 million in donations though auctions by the time he was 20. With more than enough time to spare, Jeff reached that goal in May 2013 at the Make-a-Wish North Texas gala. His birthday is Sept. 30. Hanson family archive

Jeff's father, Hal Hanson, has chronicled Jeff's inspiring story of art, philanthropy and entrepreneurship in a new book, 'Lessons From CLOD.' The book will accompany a live, motivational presentation, currently in production. Hanson family archive

Standing next to his painting 'Brunch in Barcelona,' Jeff presents his canvas created in a partnership with Whole Foods Market, generating a vividly decorated reusable shopping bag for the company. The bag generated $30,000 for Make-A-Wish. Hanson family archive